Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice” ventures into bold, uncharted territory, taking on the controversial figure of Donald Trump with an audacious and unflinching lens. Focusing on Trump’s formative years under the tutelage of the notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, the film offers a Shakespearean drama set against the cutthroat world of New York real estate in the 1970s and 80s. With outstanding performances and a gripping narrative, “The Apprentice” navigates the complexities of power, ambition, and moral decay.
Sebastian Stan delivers a transformative performance as the young Donald Trump, eschewing caricature for a nuanced portrayal of a man on the cusp of infamy. The film opens with Trump as an ambitious but insecure real estate mogul struggling to step out from under his father Fred Trump’s (Martin Donovan) shadow. A chance encounter with the ruthless Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong) sets him on a path that will define his life and career. Cohn, with his aggressive mantra of “Attack. Admit nothing. Claim victory,” becomes a mentor who shapes Trump’s worldview, turning him into the unyielding figure he is known for today.
Stan’s portrayal of Trump is chillingly authentic, capturing his evolving body language, speech patterns, and the gradual hardening of his persona. It’s a testament to Stan’s skill that his transformation is both subtle and profound, making Trump’s descent into moral ambiguity both believable and unsettling. Jeremy Strong’s performance as Roy Cohn is equally compelling, embodying the character’s viciousness and manipulative prowess with eerie precision. The dynamic between Stan and Strong is electric, driving the narrative with a mix of tension and dark camaraderie.
Abbasi’s direction is confident and stylish, employing a rich visual palette that captures the opulence and grime of New York City’s real estate landscape. The use of different video formats, including celluloid filmstock and camcorder footage, effectively distinguishes the film’s various time periods, adding a layer of historical texture. The soundtrack, punctuated by period-appropriate hits, enhances the film’s atmosphere, though some needle drops, particularly during a violent domestic scene, feel jarringly out of place.
The film’s narrative arc is both compelling and cautionary. By focusing on Trump’s early years and his relationship with Cohn, “The Apprentice” provides a psychological portrait of a man whose unyielding pursuit of power and success would later redefine American politics. Abbasi wisely avoids delving into Trump’s presidential years, instead allowing the seeds of his future persona to be sown in these formative interactions. This choice keeps the film grounded and focused, avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism.
While “The Apprentice” is not without its flaws, including occasional heavy-handed foreshadowing and some uneven pacing, it remains a riveting character study. The screenplay by Jennifer Stahl and Gabriel Sherman deftly explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The film’s climax, intercutting Cohn’s funeral with Trump undergoing cosmetic surgery, is a masterstroke of dark irony, underscoring the transformation of both men in stark, visceral terms.
Supporting performances by Martin Donovan and Maria Bakalova add depth to the narrative, though Bakalova’s role as Ivana Trump feels underutilized. Edgar Ramirez’s brief appearance as a new love interest for Selena Gomez’s character adds a layer of intrigue, though his role is relatively minor.
“The Apprentice” is a film that dares to confront its subject with unflinching honesty. It doesn’t seek to humanize Trump or evoke sympathy but instead aims to understand the forces that shaped him. Abbasi’s film is a stark reminder of how the lessons of a ruthless mentor can mold an individual into a figure of immense influence and notoriety.
In conclusion, “The Apprentice” is a bold, thought-provoking film that blends drama, biopic, and psychological thriller into a cohesive and compelling narrative. With stellar performances, particularly from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, and a keen directorial vision, Ali Abbasi has crafted a film that is as controversial and complex as its subject. It’s a must-watch for those seeking to understand the roots of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary history.